Japan's Epsilon S solid-fuel rocket suffers another test setback

Nov 26 (NHK) - An explosion and fire have halted a combustion test of Japan's new Epsilon S solid-fuel rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, which conducted the test, said a combustion abnormality occurred at around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 49 seconds after testing of the second stage of the rocket began.

The test had been scheduled to last for about 120 seconds.

Local police and fire authorities say there are no reports of injuries. JAXA is investigating the situation.

Epsilon S is one of Japan's mainstay rockets being developed by JAXA and others. In July last year, an explosion occurred due to abnormal combustion during a test of the second stage of the rocket at a site in the northeastern prefecture of Akita. The blast took place about 57 seconds after ignition.

JAXA concluded that last year's explosion was due to melting and scattering of part of the ignition device, which caused insulating material in a pressure vessel to be damaged and led to the abnormal combustion.

The agency said it took measures to prevent a recurrence before Tuesday's retest.

Japan's Academics Demand Independence

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

Inside Japan’s Failing Sewers

Across Japan, road collapses have been occurring with increasing frequency, often blamed on aging infrastructure. In one recent incident in Ashioshi, Saitama Prefecture, a truck was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole.

Two Men Arrested for Breaking Into Tokyo School

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained.

Cherry Blossoms Reach Final Stage, Six Days Earlier Than Average

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

Lack of Sleep After Golden Week May Signal Sleep Disorder, Experts Warn

As many in Japan returned to work or school on May 7th following the Golden Week holiday, a growing number are reporting post-holiday fatigue and sleep deprivation—conditions that experts warn may point to deeper sleep-related issues.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

World's First Wooden Satellite Eyes Sustainable Space Future

A groundbreaking project to develop the world’s first artificial satellite made of wood is underway in Kyoto, led by astronaut Takao Doi. The initiative is part of a broader push toward environmentally sustainable space exploration.

Japan Begins Supplying Homegrown Sustainable Jet Fuel to Aircraft

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), made from used cooking oil and other waste materials, has been produced domestically in Japan for the first time and supplied to an aircraft.

Another Nuclear Plant Wins Safety Approval, Eyes 2027 Restart

The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved a draft review on April 30th confirming that safety measures at Hokkaido Electric Power’s Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 comply with the country’s updated safety standards. This effectively clears the unit for restart, making it the 18th reactor at 11 nuclear plants nationwide to pass the review under the new regulatory framework.

Discarded Vegetables Transformed into Crayons

Vegetables that were destined for disposal are being given a new purpose as crayons that retain their natural colors and even a faint trace of their original scent.

Parts Fall from Flying Car

One of the main attractions at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the "flying car," experienced an unexpected malfunction, raising concerns about safety and delaying its return to operation.

Could Nitric Oxide Be the Missing Link in Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

What does it feel like to have Restless Legs Syndrome? From my own experience, it is like being buried in sand, with a deep, heavy ache that can only be relieved by moving the legs or through constant massage. Resisting the urge to move can trigger a sense of panic, similar to claustrophobia—just when all you want to do is sleep. It’s exhausting, often lasting through the night and into the early morning hours, sometimes even longer.

Toxic Chemicals Detected in Rivers and Groundwater Across Japan

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.

Kyoto University Links Lung Disease to PFAS Exposure

Kyoto University and its research team have revealed that several former employees of Daikin Industries developed lung diseases, potentially linked to exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of chemical compounds used in industrial manufacturing.

< 2 3 4 5 >